Take a peek behind the scenes at the self-proclaimed "Bastion of Fundamentalism" and "Fortress of Faith," Bob Jones University. A Bob Jones University graduate takes a close look at the Joneses, Bob Jones University, and the national network of Bob Jones-styled fundamentalist churches and ministries staffed by Bob Jones University graduates and influenced by the pragmatic philosophies and principles taught and practiced by BJU.
Jonesianism, a term perhaps first coined in BJU Exposed, is simply modern-day Phariseeism. Jonesianism is essentially a combination of psuedo-religious legalism with endless man-made rules given Ten Commandment-status, religious hypocrisy, extreme sectarianism, religious pride, and pervasive intellectual, ecclesiastic, ethical corruption and dishonesty all ruled over by a few men who embodied the worst qualities of the original Pharisees and whose teachings and actions cannot be questioned.

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BJU, Dr. Bob Jones III and The Interracial Dating Ban Controversy

May 02, 2008

Quote of the Day: "What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive." D. Dafoe

Definition of the Day: "Bigot: One obstinately and irrationally, often intolerantly, devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion." (Webster's Third New International Dictionary)

One of the things that always amazes me about many of my fellow BJU alums, including current BJU president Stephen Jones, is the unqualified praise they heaped upon Bob Jones III for dropping the interracial dating/marriage ban on the Larry King Live show in 2000.

Another thing that amazes me is that even BJU grads who oppose the bigotry practiced and propagated by the Joneses/BJU, are quick to label as "bigots" those who point out the interracial dating Rule deception practiced by Bob Jones III.

I recently engaged a BJU grad on a forum. Although he was seemingly for the Petition to BJU to publicly apologize for the interracial dating bigotry, he accused me of "bigotry" for citing well-established facts, supporting Scripture, and logical, rational conclusions regarding Bob Jones III's interracial dating ban deception. He apparently thinks that to confront Bob Jones III's sin and heresy would undermine the Gospel. I asked him several pointed questions about Bob Jones III's LKL interview including these three:

"Are the Drs. Bob Jones, [Bob Sr., Jr., III] in your mind, suitable examples of "men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" on par with men like Stephen in Acts 6?"

"Are you saying that the Bob Joneses [Bob Sr., Jr., III] meet your idea of those who have demonstrated competency, trustworthiness, judiciousness, wisdom, and submission to biblical authority on behalf of God's Word and [on behalf of] those who have followed their spiritual leadership?"

"Have you considered the scope and breadth of the damage Bob Jones III did to the Gospel and [to the credibility of] those who preach it from BJU with his Rule, his Supreme Court case, his public statements, and in his interview on LKL?"

He refused to answer the questions and accused me of "bigotry". Defensible views that are based on facts, sound logic, and scriptural rationale are not evidence of bigotry, else every Christian who believed in the authority of the Bible would be a bigot.

Yes, it is important to pressure the Joneses/BJU to apologize and make restitution to those they have wronged with their interracial dating ban nonsense. But, propagating unbiblical division within the Body of Christ by banning interracial marriage, and doing it deceitfully the way Bob Jones III has done, is sin. Thus, it is equally important that Bob Jones III publicly repent for his sin of bearing false witness just as other religious leaders have publicly repented for their breaches of the Ten Commandments.

Bob Jones III violated the trust the University family placed in him in saying the Bible taught that interracial marriage violated "Bible policy". I just talked to a BJU grad whose parents were both BJU faculty lifers. She said, 'If Bob Jones III was so adamantly wrong about the interracial marriage ban being "Bible policy," what else has he taught us that is wrong.'

Clearly, Bob Jones III violated and betrayed a sacred trust that an ordained minister of the Gospel - and educator - would not handle the Word of God deceitfully or craftily. We all make "mistakes". However mistaken, with Bob Jones III's continued dissembling on this issue, he reveals that his 'mistake' was deliberate and that he is bent upon dodging responsibility for his actions.

Bob Jones III has never begged forgiveness from the University family for deceiving us and abusing those within our number. And, Bob Jones III continued the deception by deliberately issuing false statements to the American people regarding the Rules. Again, any apology needs to include public repentance and a plea for forgiveness from Larry King and the American people.

When I watched Bob Jones III being interviewed by Larry King, I was appalled; much of what Bob Jones III was saying was simply untrue! When I pointed out this to other BJU grads, they simply dismissed the facts and started talking about how good it was that the ban had been dropped.

Not all BJU Grads are Bigots

But, not everyone who graduated from BJU is "obstinately and irrationally, often intolerantly, devoted" to the Joneses and Bob Jones University.

The authors of the Petition at Please Reconcile, Ignore, Defend, Forget, or Apologize? have done an excellent job of concisely exposing the deception Bob Jones III employed on LKL to deceive Larry King and the American people about the true nature and history of BJU's interracial dating and marriage ban.

In a post titled "We have never tried to do that," the Pleasereconcile authors quote Jones' response to Larry King's question about not being able to back up the interracial dating ban with a verse from the Bible. Bob Jones III responded to this question with a startling answer:

"No, we can't back it up with a verse from the Bible. We never have tried to, we have never tried to do that. But we have said there is a principle here, an overriding principle of the one world government. But let me tell you how insignificant this is. Students never hear it preached. There have been four, five, six generations of students that graduated from there have never heard this preached in our chapel or taught in our school..."

Bob Jones University's 1986 Race Relations Pamphlet

The post includes copies of an eight-page pamphlet published in 1986 by BJU Press titled "Race Relations" by Marshall Neal, Ph.D. of the School of Religion, Bob Jones University. The pamphlet cites specific passages of supporting Scripture on nearly every page.

Take a look at the Pleasereconcile blog. They have a very informative, narrowly focused website dedicated to motivating people - not just BJU graduates, I understand - to apply pressure to the Joneses/BJU to repent and to apologize to those they have wronged. They are doing a good thing. I pray that they may be successful in their efforts.

April 18, 2008

Years ago, in 1983, Charles Underwood, first director of Church Planting at BJU, penned an Open Letter to Bob Jones III. At the end of the letter was a form, a petition of sorts, that readers could sign and send to BJU to express their disapproval for the actions of the Joneses and their management of BJU.

I considered Underwood's letter to Bob Jones III to be so insightful - and so up to date in its observations - that I engaged a transcriptionist to type the body of the letter so that I could include it in BJU Exposed. There is a direct link to the Open Letter on this page.

I don't know how widely Underwood's letter was circulated or how many people signed and sent in petitions as a result of his letter. I do know that anyone associated with such a letter of reproof and rebuke directed toward the Joneses/BJU could be sure they would be blackballed. BJU was able to limit the impact of such letters because there was not a mechanism to circulate the information widely.

Enter the WorldWideWeb! The landscape has changed and anyone with a computer can have access to everyone else who is connected to the web. BJU can no longer control information or access to their constituency.

Dear Stephen Jones, Bob Jones University Board of Trustees, and Administration:
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We are Bob Jones University alumni and students who care deeply about our alma mater. We recognize that God has used the university in our lives for good, and we pray that God preserves the university and uses it in the lives of those who come after us. We value our time there, the many wonderful faculty and staff members who taught us and touched our lives, the godly friends we met, and the school's fearless stand for Jesus Christ.
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We are troubled, though, by certain aspects of the school’s reputation regarding its attitude toward race. The school is widely known as segregationist, bigoted, and racist. Some of us were not aware of this reputation while we attended the university and were baffled when we encountered negative perceptions from others after we graduated. Our ignorance may be to the University’s credit, since it suggests that the actual practices of the University have improved beyond the older perceptions that persist in the world at large.
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Nevertheless, the reputation remains. We see it in people's faces and hear it in their comments and reactions upon learning where we went to school. Sometimes we encounter it in job interviews--troubling times to be confronted about racial prejudice. For some of us, employees suspect our motives as employers. Those of us who are ministers and spiritual leaders must explain our association with the university to minority congregants. All of us are charged to present the gospel, but must now do so in the context of this stigma. After a period of objective discussion and research, we begin to understand the origin of these negative impressions.
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The University's historical position on race is deeply troubling, and some of that history is disturbingly recent. Stories of its founding leaders having connections to notoriously bigoted characters and organizations. Married black students were not admitted until 1971, and unmarried black students were not admitted until 1975. Even then a ban on interracial relationships lasted into the twenty-first century. Records from those years include vicious and embarrassing statements from people representing the University in an official capacity. The individuals on the receiving end of this treatment recounted those experiences to their tight-knit communities, and their stories provided a public record of the University's attitude toward minorities. Finally, many of us have personally seen actions or heard statements from current members of the University community which seem to indicate that sensitivity toward this issue is not a priority of its administration or representatives.
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We realize that other institutions have made mistakes as well. We do not excuse their mistakes, but neither are we concerned with them. They are responsible for what they have done, and many of them have issued public statements of regret and apology and have taken dramatic steps to demonstrate their commitment to change. Bob Jones University, to our knowledge, has never done so. We can find no record of a statement that admits that the university’s historical position on race, while sincere, was mistaken, and God has granted a better perspective. We are writing to request that such a statement be made, backed up by concrete actions that demonstrate its seriousness.
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We hope and believe that such a statement would be sincere and accurate. We recognize that it may be difficult to make and realize that it may attract criticism from other corners. That is why we want you to know that should such a statement be made, we will support it completely and joyfully. We hope that you will choose to address this issue because of your own conviction that all people, regardless of their skin color or ethnicity, are made in the image of God and that God desires unity in His Church. We request this not just to remove stumbling blocks in our dealings with others, or to improve appraisals of our resumes (though we believe it will do both). We pray that you will do this, most of all, because it will be doing right, and showing forth a true demonstration of the love and humility that God desires from His people.
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Sincerely yours,

First, those who drafted this petition are to be commended. Finally, someone is taking some initiative! It is thoughtfully composed and it has been well-received by some within the University family.

I think the petition glosses over the issue of Bob Jones III's involvement in this controversy. It would have been better, more biblical after the Pauline example in correcting Peter in Galatians 2, to have included Bob Jones III as a specific recipient. As such, it should have forthrightly addressed Bob Jones III's duplicity and deceit in his handling of the interracial dating ban scam.

I also have reservations about the statement: "We can find no record of a statement that admits that the university’s historical position on race, while sincere, was mistaken, and God has granted a better perspective."

Based upon my review of the Joneses'/BJU's historical position on race, I did not detect a "sincere" element to their position or the way they prosecuted their position. Any "mistake" the Joneses made regarding this issue seemed to be pre-meditated, calculated, and deliberate.

At any rate, if you think the Joneses/BJU are past the interracial dating rule controversy, take a look at the sign-in sheet and the comments left by the signers.

Pleasereconcile's petition drive has been discussed on the Sharperiron debate forum here. I found the discussions very interesting as they revealed current attitudes of graduates toward this issue. Unfortunately, the thread has been closed because it reached a 20 page-limit.

June 24, 2007

"Jones, a fundamentalist preacher, traveled the state espousing Klan views and once accepted a $1,600 donation from a south Alabama Klan group after speaking, the book [Politics, Society and the Klan in Alabama: 1915-1949] says." Jay Reeves, AP, March 17, 2000

"When a man goes to the source and does not get a straight answer, what else is one to think but that someone has something to hide?" Bob Jones III in a letter to someone who did not respond to his questions.[*] If Jones' premise is true, then Bob Jones III must have a host of things in his past he wants to hide. Skeptical? Ask Bob Jones III some tough questions. He never answers such questions. However, he has become an expert at "killing the messenger" who poses such questions.

The Associated Press/March 17, 2000
By Jay Reeves

Birmingham, Ala. -- The founder of Bob Jones University was a Ku Klux Klan mouthpiece who preached against Catholics and foreigners in Alabama decades before his school's policies became an issue in presidential politics, the author of a new book said Friday.

Bob Jones Sr., the son of Alabama sharecroppers, actively campaigned for Klan-backed political candidates in the 1920s, says the book, "Politics, Society and the Klan in Alabama: 1915-1949."

"He was very well known at the time," author Glenn Feldman said in an interview. "He managed to involve himself in most of the political races of the time. When he spoke, people listened."

Jones, a fundamentalist preacher, traveled the state espousing Klan views and once accepted a $1,600 donation from a south Alabama Klan group after speaking, the book says.

A moderate judge of Jones' time "compared the preacher to Judas Iscariot and accused him of selling out his party, perverting his religious mission, fomenting intolerance and prostituting his frock for Klan silver," states the book.

"He made money off it, but I think he was also a true believer," said Feldman, who did not look for evidence that Jones was a Klan member. Jones went out of state to start his school. He founded Bob Jones College in College Point, Fla., in 1927, according to the university's Web site. Feldman said he did not research the question of whether Klan money went into the school. The racist organization likely had money to spare back then: It claimed 150,000 members in Alabama in the mid-20s, including many business people, politicians and ministers.

The school's official history makes no mention of any ties between its founder and the KKK.

[*]Neither spokesman Jonathan Pait nor other officials at Bob Jones University immediately returned phone messages left Friday seeking comment. Jones' grandson, Bob Jones III, is president of the nearly 4,000-student university, now located in Greenville, S.C.

The school's positions against interracial dating and Catholicism became an issue in the GOP presidential campaign last month following an appearance there by Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

The university has since lifted its widely criticized ban on mixed-race couples. But it still [requires obtain parental permission before dating] someone of another race. The school's site on the Internet refers to both Catholicism and Mormonism as "cults."

The school claims its practices are based on the Bible, not racism and hatred. But the author said the university reflects many of the positions its founder once preached for the Klan.

"I think it's more subtle. It's a little more politically correct. But, unfortunately, it's essentially the same," said Feldman, an assistant business professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

During the 1928 presidential election, Jones actively campaigned against Democrat Al Smith, a Roman Catholic from New York. The book says Jones portrayed Smith as the candidate of "foreigners," a reference to the many Roman Catholics immigrating from Europe at the time.

"If Democrat Al Smith is elected,"' the book quotes Jones as saying, "the gates to immigration will be thrown open. I had rather see a saloon on every corner ... than to see foreigners elect their candidate."'

May 24, 2007

Although this Post was made on or about May 24, 2007, it belongs in the first part of the interracial dating ban Series. Please excuse the fact that I am unable to keep these posts in order. A reader who takes the time to read all the posts in order will gain great insight into the thinking and duplicity of Dr. Bob Jones III.

Quotes of the Day:

"A Negro is best when he serves at the table," then quickly added, "I'm not a racist." Dr. Bob Jones III, The Washington Post, Getting the Bob out of Bob Jones U.

Back in 1966, Bob Jones Junior spoke about race in chapel. With my own ears I [Bob Vincent] heard him say the following:

“Blacks have never had a successful civilization.”

“Blacks were designed by God to be servants.”

“Blacks are only happy when they are in the role of a servant.”

"Roxanne [Jones Robinson, Dr. Bob Jones III's daughter] is a big racist who hates blacks." Beth Engelhart, my former sister-in-law in a conversation with me. Beth and Roxanne attended Northside Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC. I also believe that Mr. Dean Robinson, Roxanne's husband, taught at Northside Christian High School and Roxanne may also have taught at one of the church schools.

The following information is apparently a replica of the material posted on Bob Jones University's website regarding the interracial dating ban. It was obviously designed to deflect attention from the facts and soften Bob Jones University's image of being run by the traditional racists Bob Jones Jr. and Bob Jones III. Note that at the end of the BJU website post, the Bible is invoked in a way to make it seem that Bob Jones University was being unfairly targeted for its views. Note also that the "explanations" of the university's position does not mention the fact that the university president, Dr. Bob Jones III, held that the interracial dating policy was a "Bible policy" that they fought to defend for 13 years all the way the the United States Supreme Court. The interracial dating ban was not an obscure policy that was ignored by the last two or three generations of Bob Jones University students; it was an important rule that everyone knew. Every student signed the rule book each year they attended BJU saying that they would obey BJU's interracial dating ban upon fear of the highest penalty available to BJU, EXPULSION.

From BJU's website:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

-- First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States

Bob Jones University firmly believes in freedom of speech and freedom of religion -- a tenant of America which we must all work together to uphold and defend. The First Amendment gives Bob Jones University the freedom to create policies and guidelines under which we operate. It gives media the freedom to report. It gives every church in the U.S. -- whether Protestant, Catholic or Muslim -- the freedom to worship. Everyone has the right under the Constitution to believe and practice their faith even when their faith may be out of synch with another's belief.

Bob Jones University is a 73-year institution grounded in academic excellence and Biblical doctrine. Our impeccable and respected academic credentials are the envy of many in the academic world. Our more than 34,000 graduates are the types of people America needs. Our University firmly believes in freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of America. This is the crux of the issue Bob Jones University faces today.

Primary Campaign

Is there a spiritual warfare being waged daily against the people of God and is what is happening to BJU currently a part of that warfare?

How do you explain the sudden hatred and bigotry the University is subjected to by the media and the political "three tenors," McCain, Gore, and Bradley, who sing the same off-pitch tune of the liberal left?

Isn't it really a compliment to Bob Jones University that the likes of John McCain, Al Gore, and Bill Bradley seethe and fulminate against us? Would we not be embarrassed if they, with their philosophies, spoke well of us?

The great divide is between our biblical world view and their humanistic world view.

Why has Bob Jones University become their whipping boy? Is it because they want to see George W. Bush defeated? Do they want him to look "guilty by association"?

Why has the media for the first time decided to make the candidate a bad guy if he fails to condemn the beliefs with which he differs held by the group to which he is speaking? If a candidate is expected to do that, would there be anywhere he could go and make a speech?

Why are the radicals like Gore, Bradley, and Hillary permitted to seek the political blessing of the likes of Al Sharpton, an outspoken Jew-hater, without being required to distance themselves from his beliefs, while the Republican candidates are held to a different standard?

Does the irrationality and intensity of the persistent hatred now directed at Bob Jones University seem outlandish?

Religious Freedom

Does the present liberal feeding frenzy on Bob Jones University, a Bible-based Christian institution of higher learning with impeccable and respected academic credentials, reveal a bias toward the people of God who stand unapologetically for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word? Is it an attempt to marginalize, by caricature, Christians who are out of step with an age that is out of joint?

Do Christians still have the right under the Constitution to believe and practice their faith even when their faith is out of sync with an ecumenical, antichrist, federal public policy?

Is Bob Jones University tax exempt? No. The Supreme Court took it away from us in 1983 with a ruling that said, "First Amendment rights (freedom of religion) must yield in the interest of Federal public policy." This bone-chilling legal conclusion puts every church and religious organization in America in jeopardy. Religious freedom guarantees of the First Amendment are no longer their protection. They are now expected to adopt prevailing social policy into their belief system or be punished (in the case of Bob Jones University that punishment was the lifting of tax exemption).

Does a Christian consensus have to exist to make a belief right? Who decides? Christians who hold tenaciously to the Scripture often differ in their understanding and application of their Scriptural interpretations. This doesn't make them insincere or un-Christian. Christians differ on what the Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage, about the mode of baptism, about the fine points of Christ's second coming, and a host of other things; but they respect those with whom they differ.

Interracial Dating and Marriage

Why is the focus being placed on something which is such a small and insignificant part of the University's whole, making it a media obsession? The last two or three generations of students who have graduated from this institution never once heard a discussion of this policy. It is not something that is preached or talked about.

This institution, offering more than 110 academic majors, produces men and women of character and trained intellect of the sort employers need and scarcely find today. We have a wholesome, disciplined, kind, and joyous student body. Racism and hatred are not part of our institutional character. The media has missed the point. Instead of exulting in the freshness and academic importance of the school, they have magnified something that we don't magnify and never discuss. Why?

Is Bob Jones University guilty of racism because it has a rule restricting interracial dating? Students of all races attend here and live in racial harmony and respect for one another as Christians. If there is discrimination in the policy, which race is discriminated against? Black, white, or yellow? Each person dates within his own race. For there to be discrimination, one race would have to be treated differently than the other.

Is Bob Jones University's interracial dating policy the issue, or is its right to hold the policy the issue?

Since most people of all races choose to marry within their race, this furor against Bob Jones University seems totally disproportionate. The noise comes from but a strident few with personal agendas.

If the people of all races who choose to attend Bob Jones University have something they can live with, why should the world at large care? It does them no harm. None of the University's rules have any bearing or influence upon society at large.

Does Bob Jones University look down upon interracially married couples? No. The warning against interracial marriages is not about the couple, but about the one-world system.

Can those who are already interracially married enter BJU as students? Yes. BJU enrolls interracially married couples who wish to be educated here even though we have our dating policy.

Is there a Bible verse or passage that teaches against interracial marriage? No.

Is there a Bible principle upon which the University's interracial dating stance is founded? Yes.

The one-world principle-every effort man has made, or will make, to bring the world together in unity plays into the hand of Antichrist. This first began at the Tower of Babel, and it will culminate at Armageddon when the Lord returns to establish His rule of peace and harmony for a thousand years.

Bob Jones University opposes one world, one church, one economy, one military, one race, and unisex. God made racial differences as He made sexual differences. Each race and each sex should be proud to be what God made it, and none should reproach the other.

Does the University believe that those who choose interracial marriage do so out of rebellion against God? No. It does believe, however, that often the promoters of it do so out of antagonism toward God because they are often the same entities that promote homosexuality, abortion, and other forms of social radicalism.

Bob Jones University's policy regarding interracial dating is more of an opposition to the rebellious and defiant antichrist spirit of the promoters of one-worldism than to interracial dating itself. Many who date and marry interracially are just as opposed to one-worldism and the spirit of Antichrist as we are.

Summary

Bob Jones University is a 73-year-old, Bible-believing Christian liberal arts University that has trained more than 70,000 students. What we believe and practice represented mainstream Christianity at the time of the school's founding, and for many years thereafter.

The shameful departure from the Scripture by that which calls itself the church so that it might mirror unregenerate society has become profound in the last 40 years. The University exists as a valued training place for Christians who are conformed to Christ and His Word, who refuse to be conformed to the world.

The University's refusal to compromise and contemporize makes it the object of ridicule and hatred by those on the other side of the Cross.

You don't find Bob Jones graduates doing harm in this world, but doing good. You find consistently loving people, couples, and parents who are active in their communities and churches. You find them in all parts of the world living out their faith in a hurting world.

Their goal is not for riches, even though many are rich. Their goal is not for fame, even though many are famous. Their goal is not for power, even though many are powerful. Their goal is to be clean and holy vessels that God can use to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to a world that is looking to everything else for an answer.

We are far from a perfect place and people, but we try to love Christ as perfectly as redeemed sinners can. We don't expect everyone to understand us or agree with us, but we're still naïve enough to expect that in a pluralistic society, there would be respect and freedom for convictioned nonconformity and honest difference.

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:1-8).

April 19, 2007

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And, the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. On these two commandements hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22: 36-40

"Your letter [asking for 'supporting scripture' and 'specific facts' supporting Bob's position] is a disappointment; but if you are not a friend of Bob Jones University, it's best we know it now...In doing so, you have broken fellowship with us; and the Alumni Association will be canceling your membership. Enclosed is a check to refund your dues. And, of course, you would not be welcome to return to campus. I am not required to state specifics to you or anyone else...I am ashamed of you for it; but from now on, you may go your direction and we will go ours." (Bob Jones III on accountability to a graduate. Terminal move at BJU. Has this attitude changed at BJU since Bob III elevated himself to chancellor and installed Stephen Jones as president? If so, what precipitated the change and where is it evidenced today?)

"The talk and teaching coming from BJU are so contradictory that even your most loyal supporters are questioning the possibility of your survival as the "Fortress of Faith." A longtime supporter of BJU recently said, 'We don't need BJU anymore!' I wanted to weep when I heard that statement. Something strange is happening at BJU, and it is turning off people so fast that you must either change your attitude or hire a Madison Avenue advertising agency. It is my studied observation that you are losing favor with God and good men."..."We have attempted to explain why you tolerate men on your board who are unequally yoked with Masonry; why you speak out against authorities with inordinate language such as only the ungodly employ; why you have no respect for graduates who practice what they have been taught at the university; and why you advocate building independent, fundamental churches and yet excoriate those that exercise independence." Charles Underwood, timeless words to Bob Jones III and BJU, 1983. Can anyone produce any solid, material evidence to show that BJU and Bob III have changed under the administration of Stephen Jones?

"The Scripture commands the servant of Christ to be "an example of the believers, in word..." (I Timothy 4:12). James commands all believers, "Speak not evil one of another, brethren: (4:11). Mr. ___________ has violated these scriptural commands." Dr. Stewart Custer quotes his target...and concludes, "...his words cannot be termed "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) [He] does not meet the scriptural qualifications for a servant of Christ."..."Since [he] does not meet the scriptural qualifications for a Christian minister, no church or school should offer him a preaching opportunity...The Lord's people must abide by His revealed will in matters of qualification." (Dr. Stewart Custer, with an externally aimed standard that he never dared apply to those who have signed his check for the past 40 or so years, Dr. Bob Jones Jr and Dr. Bob Jones III.)

"Facts and biblical standards don't seem to purchase when a Jones is on the receiving end. BJU will put any interpretation on words and deeds to excuse a Jones."..."I love you [Dr. Fremont]. You are a very special person. I am willing to meet with anyone who can demonstrate point-by-point any of the "time worn lies" for which you vaguely accuse me...We disagree on biblical accountability, personal loylaty, and dual standards. It hurts to lose a dear, long-time friend. May nothing I have said be contrued as mean-spirited or unkind toward anyone, especially you. You were the most influential teacher in my life. For that I am unalterably grateful." (1999 letter from me to Dr. Walter Fremont. Fremont could not answer the letter because I required that he deal with facts rather than ad hominem attacks. A Jonesian cannot acknowledge facts and defend BJU or the Joneses conduct.)

"Leadership by example must come from the top; it must be of the highest standards; and it must be visible for all to see...'Do as I say and not as I do' just won't hack it!...Those who hold leadership positions, to be credible, must meet the same standard..We must continue to remove those who fall short and seek those who meet and exceed the requirements. Dual standards and less accountability at the top will undermine the trust and confidence so essential to good order and discipline...A general malaise hangs over a unit whose leaders are week...Soldiers [and Christians, too] want - indeed deserve - leaders who are held accountable to the same standards that they are held. The credibility of the system is at stake when that is not the case." (Admiral Leon Edney, before the House Judiciary, speaking on eternal principles of leadership.)

WHY SPEND SO MUCH TIME DISSECTING BJU'S INTERRACIAL DATING CONTROVERSY?

It is not so much the interracial dating controversy that I have focused on, but Dr. Bob Jones III's handling of the whole affair. But, you might say, it is an old controversy. It may have played itself out in 2000, but the whole affair is instructive as to the nature of the leadership and ethics of the Joneses and BJU. I have studied how the Joneses act, the administrators, faculty and students at BJU act, and how their supporters act with regard to the many controversies that have played out over the past 50 years.

I have concluded that they haven't changed very much in their management of their sect of independent fundamentalism or their approaches to those with whom they disagree in areas of conscience, biblical polity, or matters involving biblical faith and/or practice. Yes, they have changed their marketing strategy. With the dwindling numbers of American-born independent fundamentalists Caucasians, they have had to appeal to other races to keep the school going. The spirit and techniques they use in dealing with anyone who disagrees with BJU or the Joneses has not changed.

Winners and Losers in the Interracial Dating/Marriage Controversy

THE LOSERS

This "insignificant" issue, as Bob III finally declared it, was very costly to Bob Jones University in terms of dollars and prestige. While most of the fundamentalists were too busy hanging on to the coattails of BJU and never dared notice, Dr. Bob Jones III was a huge loser.

Bob Jones III came off as one wholly lacking in judgment and discernment. Who, but a self-deluded Jonesian, would place confidence in Bob Jones III's "spiritual leadership" after such a series of godless decisions? Bob Jones III invested his credibility as a Fundamentalist big wig and lost twice. First, Bob III took his case to the Supreme Court and lost in 1983.

Secondly, Bob III lost again when he had to retreat from his "Bible policy" in 2000. Only a Jonesian, a faithful supporter, a willing dupe, someone who couldn't think for himself or allow himself to see Dr. Jones III's series of blunders and ecclesiastic fraud, would rely on Bob Jones III for a biblical doctrinal stand on an issue after this huge fiasco. He lost all credibility as a religious leader, at least with those discerning men and women who have the requisite critical thinking skills and biblical discernment and who are willing to apply them to the facts that are plainly before them. I do not mean to imply that I view Dr. Bob Jones III as a legitimate, biblically qualified religious leader. I do not believe that he is.

As Dr. Custer illustrated above, the New Testament is clear regarding the qualifications of New Testament leaders. The examples of New Testament leadership do not include corporate, for-profit business preachers with no discernible biblical cover or scriptural precedence. Is Bob III ordained? He may be. Is he accountable to those who conferred his ordination? They sure have kept quiet for the past 40 years. Has he demonstrated that he has the qualifications of a minister of Christ? Perhaps someone is willing to tackle that one. Is there a Jonesian that would try to support his qualifications biblically? Perhaps Dr. Custer would apply to Dr. Jones III his standards for qualification. Fundamentalists have allowed Dr. Bob Sr., Bob Jr., and Bob III to become the Great Exceptions.

Bob Jones University's administrators, Deans, the faculty, including and especially the Bible and religious faculty members, the students, graduates, and faithful defenders of BJU and the Joneses, were huge losers. People like Stewart Custer, Thurman Wisdom, Ed Panosian, Dwight Gustafson, Walter Fremont had collected check after check from BJU and dutifully defended the Joneses and attacked those who questioned the Joneses' policies. They had silently assented to, supported, and/or defended the Joneses pet racist doctrine.

Stephen Jones is a huge loser. He can preach nice sermons and act humbly and graciously as he sells BJU's services from Baptist pulpits. But the real question is: Does Stephen Jones have the strength of character and autonomy to make any changes to the attitudes and atmosphere that has developed at BJU over the past 80 years? Stephen hasn't demonstrated that he has those qualities. Stephen Jones certainly knew the background surrounding the history of this controversy. He certainly knew of the statements his father had made in 1983 regarding the nature of this "Bible policy" and the duplicity practiced by his father. He praised his father for the Larry King interview and never once apologized to the University family or defenders for misleading BJU's administrators, faculty, students, and brand of fundamentalism regarding the true, extra-biblical basis of the Joneses interracial dating ban.

THE WINNERS

The winners were those who suffered for Christ in this like Gerald and the late Jackie. They certainly did not deserve to be in the center of such a bitter firestorm but perhaps God will reward them. Has BJU president, Stephen Jones, asked his father to go with him to Gerald and any of Jackie's family and humbly and graciously seek forgiveness? I have not heard such a report. There is something in that long, dreaded walk to a wronged neighbor's door that changes a man and makes him more than he was. I know that I have had to do that. It was never a pleasant experience to beg forgiveness from someone I had wronged. But I never regretted doing so afterward. That would go a long way to setting the atmosphere of his administration at Bob Jones University and signal some godly independence of spirit. Stephen Jones can't start over, but he can start mending fences.

Wayne Golson and Steve Keyes were winners. How many American Christians do you know who have endured any measure of persecution for practicing their faith?

Dr. Walter Handford showed an unswerving strength of character. Has he been persecuted, criticized, and ostracized by the Jones crowd? Absolutely.

Charles Underwood? How could Charles Underwood be a winner? Well, he didn't stand up to Jones on this issue. However, Charles Underwood's "Open Letter to Dr. Bob Jones III" outlined the way the Joneses approach every such controversy.

Certainly, there must have been others who stood up on this issue who were fired or blackballed that we will never find out about. They are winners.

What did I do? I did nothing until October 2, 1994. At that time, Bob Jones IV was making the BJU banquet circuit. On or about September 27, 1994, Bob Jones IV spoke at such a banquet in Newark, New Jersey. My brother-in-law, Tom Ardt was in attendance. He recounted that a woman asked Bob IV a question from the floor about BJU's interracial dating policy. It was pretty embarassing for those in attendance because the banquets do not provide for Q and A sessions! Bob IV was unexpectedly and publicly confronted with the issue!

Since the university had long since ceased answering my correspondence, I sent a letter to Bob Jones IV under a fictitious name. Of course, the letter was never answered. Here are portions from that October 2, 1994 letter:

"Dear Mr. Jones:

At the banquet held on September 27th in Newark, New Jersey, a young woman asked you a two-part question. The first part dealt with whether or not Bob Jones University forbade interracial dating by students. You responded that interracial dating was forbidden. The second part of her question asked for specific reasons in support of that policy. Your answer was that it causes, or produces, a bad testimony. You provided no Scriptural basis in support of your position and indicated the dating policy was simply based upon BJU's convictions. I am not so sure your answer satisfied all of those in attendance. In light of the seriousness of causing a division (Romans 16:17-19) within the body of Christ, what Scriptural justification do you cite in support of this doctrine?

After the banquet, several people went to speak to this young woman. One of those was a man who identified himself as a graduate of BJU. He told the woman that when he was at BJU, his room [prayer] captain, the son of a Korean woman and a US serviceman, was ruled an Oriental his first year. He was only allowed to date Oriental girls. The next year he appealed his Oriental status and was ruled a Caucasian. he was then allowed to date Caucasian girls. It seems the prudent thing to do is to ask you for a copy of your written policies so that I can decide whether or not such arbitrariness is possible. Could you send me a copy of your interracial dating policy?"

In or around 1997, I wrote Dr. Bob Jones III and asked him what constituted a "mixed race" and if his was a "one-drop" rule or a "51% rule" and asked him how he determined who was what part of what race. He never responded. I also wrote a 1997 letter to the Editor, Greenville News, opposing BJU's racist policies. Pretty lame. Too little, too late.

Those who want to do something positive and who are not controlled by a sychophantic fear of losing the favor of the Joneses and being banned from the "Fortress of Faith", might write BJU president Stephen Jones and ask him to take his father, Dr. Bob Jones III, and go to the family of "Gerald" and seek forgiveness for Bob III's actions in 1980. It's never too late to seek forgiveness. What's the alternative? Sweeping it under the rug? Isn't that what we have allowed the Joneses to do with their messes for the last 80 years? If Stephen Jones doesn't break the cycle, I suspect that the sins of the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will visit him.

Incidentally, after Jones dropped the dating ban, he instituted a new "Rule" that required a female student to get permission for mixed dating from her parents. It lasted a short time and then the press got wind of it and the new Rule was dropped with little fanfare! Again, Bob Jones III and BJU looked hypocritical and religiously and racially bigoted.

It follows that Fundamentalism and Fundamentalists lost, especially Bob Jones-styled Fundamentalism and Fundamentalists. The next time the BJU crowd attempt to defend Bob Jones III or BJU, keep this incident in mind. The next time BJU or Dr. Bob Jones III are involved in a controversy, remember how poorly and duplicitously they handled this controversy. Fundamentalists - BJU-trained preachers, related ministries, BJU grads, BJU supporters - those who had faithfully, dutifully, and mindlessly defended and propagated Dr. Bob Jones III's so-called "Bible policy" supporting his interracial dating/ban, all reversed course and dutifully lavished praise on Dr. Jones III. To my knowledge, not one fundamentalist big wig held Bob Jones III accountable for invoking Biblical authority to support his own bigoted belief that it is "Bible policy" to ban interracial dating/marriage.

It would have been better if Bob Jones III would have simply said, "Our interracial dating/marriage ban is not a "Bible policy," it is my preference. If you don't like my rule, then don't apply to attend my school." But, Bob III and his minions tried to support it from Scripture and that amounted to ecclesiastic fraud. No man is more dishonest than the man who is dishonest in his own religion. Such a man is dishonest in his heart, mind, and very soul. Jon Pait is a huge loser. It is disturbing to note that these same supporters will passionately defend and propagate other doctrines espoused by Dr. Jones without thinking twice. If Jonathan Pait does not have the strength of character and discernment to stand up against the Joneses when they ask him to defend such nonsense, then he needs to place himself in a position where he is not faced with such issues.

The Bible faculty at Bob Jones University lost a great deal of credibility. Are they sincere men who have been careful to retain their individual priesthood? Are they men of resolve, scholarly integrity, independence, and biblical principle who are subject first to God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit and not controlled by the fear of losing their jobs? Or, is the BJU Bible faculty staffed by 'yes-men' who bow and scrape every time Bob Jones III needs someone to sign a group letter supporting his latest position?

What this controversy reveals is that the Joneses are dishonest and have surrounded themselves with people who willingly accomodate the Joneses' dishonesty by employing supporting dishonesty: think the Bible faculty, the offices of the Dean of Men and the Dean of Women, and a host of others. This is not the way of Christian men and women guided by biblical truth and principles. This is the way of a cult.

What is most disturbing is that the Joneses and the Jonesians who defend them and attack those who point out their faults are dishonest and hypocritical in the practice of the New Testament religion established upon the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As He said, "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy!"

March 08, 2007

"Of all the things with which mankind is cursed, religious tyranny is the worst." Daniel Dafoe

"Some say, 'Don't say anything. You can't wash dirty linen in public!' But I say it's better to wash dirty linen in public than not at all!" Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.

"It takes 25 years to build a reputation and only 5 minutes to ruin it." Warren Buffet

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And, the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. On these two commandements hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22: 36-40

"So you want to know where a man stands with God? You have only to ask him one question: what do you think of this university?" Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.

"This trio of remarkable, paradoxical, and charismatic men have built and institution where fundamentalist theology and personal loyalty to them were and are the prerequisites to success for all who work and study there." Dalhouse, An Island in the Lake of Fire

"I was booted from the Board of BJU a couple of months ago when I had the audacity to write to Dr. Bob, Jr. and tell him that he was 100% wrong in his booklet attacking Dr. John R. Rice, Facts John R. Rice Will not Face. Not only so, but I told him that the booklet proved that Dr. Rice's position and his father's position were identical." Dr. Robert Sumner

"I will not allow you to dictate the terms of God's will for my life. I resign." Dr. Malone, BJU Board

"...Karl Keefer, resigned, arguing that at BJU one must 'actively or tacitly agree with all decisions and actions, or leave.'" Dalhouse, An Island in the Lake of Fire

"Disloyalty is a characer fault that I do not believe is ever cured. I will forgive a disloyal person if he asks me to, but I will never trust him again...[W]hen Bob Jones University has had to draw battle lines and take a position, those who are students and faculty and do not stand with us are traitors to the cause this institution represents; and there is no reason why we should ever let them return. We will forgive them if they ask us, but we could not trust them not to betray us again if the occassion arose." Dr. Bob Jones III

"It is never pleasant to give an uncomplimentary report of a preacher. However, since the Lord warned his disciples about "wolves in sheep's clothing' and since Christ said in John chapter 7 to "judge righteous judgment," and since Paul said in I Corinthians that "he that is spiritual judgeth all things," it is right and necessary for Christians to be discerning." Bob Jones III

"All flesh is not the same kind of flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds..." I Corinthians 15:39

"Marriage is honourable in all..." Hebrews 13:4

"There is neither Jew not Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." Romans 16: 17-19

"I would never break with him. When you break with Bob Jones you break with Bob Jones University." Phil Shuler

"Those who succeed at BJU often choose cowed servility to the man who signs their check over humble submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit in matters of faith and practice. Those who do not submit to the whims and dictates of the top man do not last long .There is truth as well as humor in the joke that BJU's fight song is, "Whose bread I eat is whose song I sing!"

"Religious freedom has been murdered by the Supreme Court today."..."By ruling against Bob Jones University, Jones said, the Supreme Court Justices 'have demonstrated they are enemies of heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. I fear for America and for the court..."We believe the policy that has gotten us int difficulty is a Bible policy and we're going to hold onto it..."..."We will pay the [$490,000] taxes." Bob Jones III, May, 1983

"This the University was willing to suffer in order to protect its Biblically-based convictions against interracial dating and marriage. In 1975, court rulings in Virginia took from private schools the option of racially discriminatory admission policies, and the University complied with the law, since it had no Biblical conviction for doing otherwise. It did, however, retain its Biblical convictions against interracial dating and marriage by refusing to allow such within the student body." Dr. Bob Jones III, "A Taste of Victory," February, 1979, Bob Jones University's Voice of the Alumni

"We don't have the rule."..."our concern for the school's greater usefulness is greater to us than a rule that we never talk about and that is meaningless to us. The principle upon which it's based is very, very important." Dr. Bob Jones III, March, 2000

"Bob Jones University, its founding family, and its passionate supporters, are an eclectic mix of had-and-fast convictions and ambiguous actions." Dalhouse, An Island in the Lake of Fire

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

What a mess the Joneses have made. In the "Quotes of the Day" section above, I simply tried to paint a montage of factors that helped make this scandal happen. What a tangled web men weave when they strive to deceive. How many men and women sacrificed their integrity in order to support the Joneses in their racism and in supporting Bob Jones University's interracial dating/marrying ban? And, how many people have they needlessly driven away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

And, how many more people will follow the spiritual leadership of Bob Jones University when the Joneses and their paid Bible staff weighs in on an important issue concerning "Bible policy?"

Bob Jones University's interracial dating ban spanned some 50 years and included the adminstrations of the founder, Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., his son, Dr. Bob Jones, Jr., and his son, Dr. Bob Jones III. For the majority of their careers, those faculty and staffers at BJU who have risen to the top slots - Panosian, Custer, Thurman, etc., have worked for BJU for much of that time. Those who were Bible scholars - and who certainly knew that the Joneses were making a division contrary to Bible doctrine - chose silence and self-preservation. Their careers at Bob Jones University flourished. Parents and prospective students should know the conditions of employment at Bob Jones University and the rules of the game. Under the terms of employment WHICH ARE STILL EFFECTIVE TODAY: "if a staff member could not be loyal to the school, then the 'relationship with the institution ends immediately.'" Students educated in such a way will always wonder, Did Professor So-and-So really believe what he taught or was he just parroting what he was told he could teach by the Joneses?

What happens when the Joneses lead the University administrators, faculty, staff, students, and passionate core of defenders into a major heresy involving faith and practice? Isn't this what happened with the BJU interracial dating/marriage ban? If this was a "Bible policy" as Dr. Bob Jones III loudly proclaimed, the BJU should re-institute the ban. That would be the only consisitent course for him to take. But, when push came to shove, he admitted that it was "insignificant". Can anybody cite an 'insignificant" Bible policy they would prosecute for 13 years, all the way to the US Supreme Court? But, none of the Bible faculty, administrators, staff, fundamentalist preachers from around the world, stood up against Dr. Bob Jones III. Except for Dr. Walt Hanford, bless him.

The question goes directly to the intellectual and spiritual integrity of the faculty, especially the Bible faculty. Are they free - within the bounds of Christian liberty and sound biblical doctrine, faith, and practice - to teach their own beliefs and convictions? And, what of other issues taught by the faculty? Do we trust that they did not violate the trust invested in them to teach students their true understanding and convictions on matters of faith and practice? The Jones trio made one thing clear to all BJU administrators, faculty, staff, students, supporters, and to those who have attached themselves to BJU's coattails: One does not disagree with Dr. Bob Jones and remain his friend for long.

Is that likely to change while Dr. Bob Jones III is chancellor and Stephen Jones is president? Inertia is a hard thing to stop. Have you ever tried stopping a cumbersome 53 foot sailboat that lost power coming into a marina dock? I have. I was not very effective. The 'Fortress of Faith' is like a huge fundamentalist coal barge. It doesn't like change. The problems at BJU are much bigger than Stephen Jones and his father will keep him on a tight leash. Can anyone cite one major change Stephen Jones, the president of BJU, has implemented at BJU that would address the types of issues that I have discussed? He can preach nice sermons, merchandise his family's for-profit education business from Baptist pulpits, and be gracious and humble, but that is not the stuff that will change the course, the atmosphere, the attitudes that guide and pervade the BJU-family.

Is BJU a "Christian school, a Christian institution, or a family-owned, family-controlled, for-profit business"? Or, is the question: "Is BJU run under Christian principles?" Or, is the question: "Is Christian faith and practice allowed at BJU?" Or, are the administrators, staff, faculty, students at BJU free to flesh out Christian liberty, faith, and practice at BJU?" Perhaps the question is, "Are those who wish to succeed at BJU able to be loyal first to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in matters of faith and practice, or is that loyalty subservient to the personal loyalty traditionally required of the Joneses?" Or, is the question, "Where in the Bible do we find Biblical sanction for a privately owned company - outside of the church and family - selling religious education and requiring personal loyalty to the man at the top in the New Testament?" Is there some sort of Biblical accountability practiced at BJU and submitted to by the Joneses? To whom are they accountable? To the administrators, faculty, or staff who fear the terminal consequences of disagreeing with Bob Jones III? And, has this lack of accountability changed in the past ten years?

James 2:9 gives a warning, "But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? This happened because blindly loyal or cowed men - administrators, faculty, staff, students, graduates, and supporters of the Joneses and Bob Jones University - let it happen. Collectively, through ignorance in some, for self-preservation and advancement in others, we have created a religious tyrant. The Joneses and BJU are outside of the bounds of the Christian church. They have no external accountability; and it shows.

March 07, 2007

"Bob Jones III enjoys what is in effect a moral blank check - a dispensational exemption from clear biblical standards of conduct - granted by those who are dependent upon BJU's patronage."

"Whether for good or ill, educators teach their students by example."

"The two most important tasks of anyone aspiring to be a Christian leader in Christ's Church are setting a good example and maintaining a good reputation."

"In an extra-biblical, extra-church business like BJU, the man at the top sets the climate and his underlings think and act in concert and in lock-step with the atmosphere he dictates."

"Those who succeed at BJU often choose cowed servility to the man at the top over humble submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit in matters of faith and practice. Those who do not submit to the whims and dictates of the top man do not last long. There is truth as well as humor in the joke that BJU's fight song is, "Whose bread I eat is whose song I sing."

Excerpts from an August 5, 1998 letter I wrote to Dr. Bob Jones III and Dr. Thurman Wisdom.

In 1993 Dr. Bob Jones III put Southside Baptist Church "off-limits" to the university. On February 14, 1993, Pastor Walt Hanford addressed his congregation about the breach. Follows is an excerpt of that talk:

"In 1980, we had a dear couple that came for membership in our church on a Sunday morning. We invited them to come into our membership on the basis of the fact that they were both saved and they both had been scripturally baptized.

There was only one difficulty, Jackie was black and Gerald was white. Not everyone in the church liked it. But, we thought that was strange, having sent missionaries to Africa for many years to somehow get the idea that we could deny fellowship here in this church to this couple who simply wanted to be taught and trained. Jackie proved to be a wonderful and godly Christian. She died a couple of years ago of cancer. And I have never been able to be sorry for a minute that we took them in.

But across town, because Bob Jones [University] did not have black students, [Dr. Hanford is mistaken on this one point. At least two black students attended BJU at this time.] they forbade interracial dating. It was the talk of the College platform. Steve [Keyes] and Larry were both on staff at that time. I had allowed them to go and teach courses on Christian education [at BJU]. [Addresses someone in the auditorium.] What were you teaching, Steve? [Apparently, Dr. Hanford is corrected by someone on the particular courses taught and that it was not "Larry" who taught at BJU, but Wayne Golson.]

Yes. Wayne was teaching Sunday School Administration. And they went to their boxes the next day and had a final check and a notice that their services were no longer needed. And, that was alright, except for the fact that I thought that we were being challenged for something that I thought was biblical. But, that created some problems..."

Well, finally, a fundamentalist Christian leader with some backbone, independence, strength of character, and a willingness to practice godly conviction despite Dr. Bob Jones III's authoritarian, retributive ways. Dr. Stewart Custer, BJU's vaunted Greek and Bible scholar, never dared challenge the Joneses' interracial nonsense. Thurman Wisdom never dared challenge the Joneses' interracial nonsense. In fact, the entire administration, staff, student body, and faculty - including the Bible faculty - of Bob Jones University ignored the issue, too fearful of opposing Dr. Bob Jones III and Dr. Bob Jones Jr. and losing the favor of the Joneses and BJU. The Joneses and BJU are the Great Exceptions when it comes to Biblical polity and reason. Anything the Joneses say is "Bible policy" becomes, well, Bible policy in the minds of those who blindly follow the Joneses.

The interracial dating rule that Bob Jones III maintained to a national audience that they "never talk about or preach" apparently was "the talk of the College platform" at BJU and led to the firing of two employees! Were Wayne Golson and Steve Keyes required to sign an employee rule book which included the "rule we never talk about or preach"? Probably. The people at Bob Jones University are methodical and they take their rules - even the "insignificant" rules that they "never talk about or preach" - very seriously.

How intimidating this must have been to Jackie and Gerald. They simply joined a church and are suddenly the center of a firestorm with some church members uncomfortable with their presence and two men fired over their membership. And, how intimidating this must have been to the two church staffers employed as teachers at BJU. And, how intimidating to all the other preachers and churches who held sacred their relationship with the Joneses and BJU: "One does not disagree with Bob Jones and remain his friend for long." The message was sent: Those who cross this line do so at the peril of incurring the disfavor of the Joneses and risk losing the favor of BJU.

When Dr. Bob Jones III, champion of religious freedom, reacted to the Supreme Court's decision against BJU's interracial dating ban, he said, "Religious freedom has been murdered by the Supreme Court today."..."The Court's ruling is an example of what is happening to religious freedom in America."...and "makes the state to be God".

But when the church of two of his employees practiced "religious freedom" that did not agree with his interpretation of the Bible, and which violated a rule that Bob says is "insignificant" and that BJU "never talks about or preaches," Bob fires the two employees! That would seem to indicate that the rule was very significant and that the firing of the two employees said it all; it doesn't matter so much what a man says but what he does that counts most. Could it be that Bob Jones III fancies himself a bit of a "God" when it comes to those who practice religious freedom that conflicts with his interracial dating ban.

The State of South Carolina has two laws that seem to come into play with regard to the assault or intimidation of those who exercise "religious freedom" as guaranteed in the United States Constitution. The first law under Crimes and Offenses, is 16-17-560. Assault or intimidation on account of political opinions or exercise of civil rights.

This law states: "Whoever shall assault or intimidate any citizen because of political opinions or the exercise of political rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen of the United States by the Constitution and laws thereof or by the Constitution and laws of this State or, for such reason, discharge such citizen from employment or occupation or eject such citizen from a rented house or land or other property shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction thereof, be fined not less than fifty nor more than one thousand dollars or be imprisoned not less than three months nor more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court."

The second law is titled Offenses Against Civil Rights, 16-5-10. Conspiracy against civil rights. It states: "It is unlawful for two or more persons to band or conspire together or go in disguise upone the public highway or upon the premises of another with the intent to injure, oppress, or violate the person or property of a citizen because of his political opinion or his expression or exercise of the same or attempt by any means, measures, or acts to hinder, prevent, or obstruct a citizen in the free exercise and enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution and laws of the United States or by the Constitution and laws of this State.

A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. A person convicted under this section is inelgible to hold, and disabled from holding, any office of honor, trust, or profit in this State."

I certainly suspect that Dr. Bob Jones III talked to others in his administration - "two or more persons to band or conspire" - about the decision to fire the two employees who had engaged "in the free exercise and enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution and laws of the United States", to wit, the granting of membership to a racially mixed couple in a religious organization.

Whether Dr. Bob Jones III could have been convicted of a Class F felony for firing the two employees for their exercise of Constitutionally guaranteed "religious freedom", I do not know. Clearly, his acts constitute a spiritual felony of sorts in that he caused divisions that never were biblically-based. Certainly his supporters and defenders will have to ignore this aspect of Dr. Bob Jones III's conduct and either change the subject or start attacking me, the messenger.

March 06, 2007

Bob Jones III, March 3, 2000: "We have a broader testimony, and if all anybody can see is this rule which we never talk about or preach; which most of our students couldn't even tell you what it is. It's that unimportant to us. I said to our administration, 'You know guys, this thing is of such insignificance to us."..."...our concern for the school's broader usefulness is greater to us that a rule that we never talk about,, and it is meanigless to us..."

I have received your internet application here at Bob Jones University and wanted to acknowledge our receipt of it. I'll be glad to start processing it for you as soon as we receive the $45 application fee.

I wanted to be "up front" with you from the very beginning of the application process so there will be no unanswered questions later on. I noticed on your application that you are inter-racially married. Bob Jones University does not endorse this. It would be no problem for you to be a student here as long as your wife was not (or vice versa). I trust that you understand this. If you would like to ask any questions regarding this, please contact Mr. Jon Pait at (864)242-5100 ext. 4207. He would be glad to speak with you about this.

Thank you again for sending in your application. I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may call me at 1-800-BJ-AND-ME.

Paul Achterberg
Admissions Counselor

Charles Underwood, Director of Church Planting at BJU, in a letter to Bob Jones III in 1983:

"After I left the university in 1976, I made it a matter of personal investigation. That's when I became convinced of your double dealing with the truth with good men..."

Nothing has changed at Bob Jones University or in Bob Jones III's double dealing with the truth. When bullying those under him fails to get the results Bob desires, he resorts to lying. How foolish Paul Achterberg and Jonathan Pait look. They tried to support Bob's interracial dating ban as a "biblical principle" a main tenet of their religious beliefs. In doing so, both fellows compromised their religious integrity for the sake of the patronage of Bob Jones University.

Quotes of the day: "I have seen corruption boil and bubble 'til it o'errun the stew. Laws for all faults, But faults so countenanced, that the strong statutes Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much in mock as mark." W. Shakespeare

"The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity..."
William Butler Yeats as quoted by Robert Bork in Slouching to Gomorrah

Nothing is more dishonest than a religious man who, on behalf of a holy God, violates his own religious beliefs in order to justify or conceal his own sinful religious practices. That level of dishonesty, especially when done by a spiritual leader who abuses and deceives those who trust him, involves the deliberate, premeditated corruption of a man's body, soul, and spirit. And that is the case, based upon the facts at hand, in Bob Jones III's handling of the interracial dating ban at BJU and his claim that his interracial dating policy was a "Bible policy". Bob Jones Sr. once said, "A crisis never develops a man's character, it reveals his character." While Bob Jones III's supporters were inclined to ignore Bob's duplicitous character, this high-profile controversy revealed Bob Jones III's character to a global audience.

In 1997, The Greenville News ran an article about Dr. Bob Jones III's fear that a pagan society is a threat to BJU. I penned the following letter to the editor. The editor printed the letter but omitted the third paragraph dealing with the firing of the two Southside Baptist teachers the day after Southside granted membership to a racially mixed couple. I believe the reason for this was that they were not able to verify the accuracy of the information prior to print time. Letters to the Editor are somewhat time-sensitive.

"Regarding the recent article about Bob Jones III's fear that a 'pagan society' is a threat to Bob Jones University, I hope your readers realize that not all BJU staff, students, and almni approve of the childish thunderings, inordinate judgments, and racial bigotry emanating from Bob Jones, Jr. and Bob Jones III. The Joneses inherited their positions at BJU. They run their school largely unfettered by the views or input of the University family.

As a 1980 BJU grauduate, it came as no surprise to me that the three pastors the Greenville News contacted refused comments for the article. The Joneses make it difficult for anyone to defend them. Many in the BJU family have questioned and opposed the Joneses' racial policiies on the grounds that they are biblically indefensible. Those individualss who disagreed with (or even questioned) the Joneses on such vital issues were often excoriated by the Joneses. They became personna no grata within the BJU family. No questions. No discussion. No disagreement.

One of the most troubling racial incidents reportedly occurred in 1980 when the church attended by two BJU teachers granted membership to a racially mixed couple. The following day the two teachers were reportedly given final checks and told their services were no longer needed! That allegation continues to raise many troubling legal, ethical, and biblical concerns in the hearts and mind of BJU's friends and supporters.

Such antics present great obstacles to BJU's most loyal supporters. Somehow, though, many still manage to smile over such inordinate judgments by the Joneses such as: first lady Betty Ford is "a slut;" former Sec. of State, Al Haig "is a monster in human flesh, a demon-possessed instrument to destroy America;" "President Reagan is a traitor;" and American courts are "heathen courts".

Some BJU staff, students, and almuni still harbor faint hopes that the Joneses will clean up their act before it is too late. That hope dims each time they demonstrate their innate knack for needlessly offending the community and alienating BJU's friends and supporters. To some observers it appears that the biggest threat to Bob Jones University is not a 'pagan society' but the indefensible racial policies and caustic pronouncements of Bob Jones, Jr. and Bob Jones III."

I was upbraided for writing this letter to the editor by Dr. Ken Hay. He never addressed any of the issues in the letter. Dr. Hay revealed a great deal about his commitment to facts, truth, loyalties, and biblical principles. He simply said that I had to be motivated by bitterness. But, according to my Bible, only Christ can disagree with His brethren and not be required to field an explanation; the rest of us owe it to each other to answer as to the specifics of our differences and provide facts, Scripture, and rationale in support of our positions. And, only Christ is qualified to search the thoughts and intents of another's heart and motivations and pass judgment.

But, Dr. Hay was an old-time Southside Baptist Church member. Hay was unaware that I knew of the Southside interracial firing incident. When I mentioned to him Dr. Bob Jones III's firing of Pastors Keyes and Golson, I could tell that the incident immediately rolled him back on his heels. It troubled Ken deeply. (Knowing such information is a powerful tool for confronting Jonesians with truth. And, Jonesians cannot deal with the truth about the Joneses and maintain an image consistent with biblical principles.) His attitude changed to the sheepish demeanor of a boy who had been caught in a white lie. And, he certainly had been caught distorting my motives and attempting to conceal and to distort the nature of the Joneses and their leadership of BJU.

Suddenly, Dr. Hay was confronted with a troubling issue by an informed person. His strategy to dismiss my questions by impugning my motives stalled. Dr. Hay was never able to field a credible reply that would not condemn both Dr. Bob III and himself. He eventually admitted that he was "damned if I do and damned if he don't" deal with the issues surrounding Bob Jones III's character. Time seems to have a way of settling such issues. Just a few years later, his patron, Dr. Bob Jones III, retreated on the interracial issue, something that I construe as a vindication of my criticism of Jones' interracial "Bible policy". Dr. Hay received a lesson on the foolishness and erosion of moral authority and credibility when one engages in silent complicity to a wrongdoer such as Dr. Bob Jones III.

Maintaining Jonesian patronage - the favor of the Joneses and BJU-crowd - always exacts a price, just as any Faustian bargain does. Sometimes that price is to be counted with those who "lack all conviction" by being silent. Others may pay their Jonesian dues by being full of "passionate intensity" and prosecuting all who disagree with the Joneses and BJU in a show of loyalty. It's a matter of style and I have dealt with both kinds and find both equally viscious and treacherous.

To the Jonesians who have not clicked out: How much have you paid in terms of conviction or intensity in order to maintain the favor and patronage of the Joneses and BJU?

"One of the most intriguing questions we can ask is how the son of a Confederate army officer could begin a school in the South that regarded racial segregation as a biblical mandate..." Dalhouse, An Island in the Lake of Fire, p. 5.

"This the University was willing to suffer in order to protect its Biblically-based convictions against interracial dating and marriage. In 1975, court rulings in Virginia took from private schools the option of racially discriminatory admission policies, and the University complied with the law, since it had no Biblical conviction for doing otherwise. It did, however, retain its Biblical convictions against interracial dating and marriage by refusing to allow such within the student body." Dr. Bob Jones III, "A Taste of Victory," February, 1979, Bob Jones University's Voice of the Alumni

Dr. Bob Jones III, March, 2000, "...this rule which we never talk about or preach..."; "...a rule that we never talk about..."; "...this thing is of such insignificance to us..."; "...it is meaningless to us..."; "...an insignificant part..."

Dr. Walter Fremont, former BJU Dean of Education, on lying: "Lying is deliberately distorting reality to deceive or mislead others by falsifying or concealing information."

A Rule that we Never Talk About

Each year every incoming student at BJU is given a rule book. Everyone knew about the interracial dating ban and everyone knew about the ban on smoking, drinking, hand-holding, premarital sex, rock music, and movie theaters. Upon receiving the rule book, every student is required to read the rule book. Every student is required to sign a statement that they have read the rule book and agree to abide by the rules. For 50 years, the Bob Jones University rule book, that every incoming student was required to read and agree to follow, included BJU's rule forbidding interracial dating and marriage. The staff and faculty were required to abide by the interracial dating and marriage ban. Whether faculty and stafff were required to sign the rule book each year like students, I do not know. I presume that BJU enforced the rule with the characteristic Jonesian zeal they displayed in enforcing other rules.

If you estimate that BJU averaged 2,500 students per year over a 50 year period, that would come to 125,000 times that this rule was "communicated" to the Bob Jones Univesity student body. Each communication of the rule elicited the signature of the reader who was required to abide by the rule that BJU never talks about or preaches. Assuming 500 staff, faculty, plant personnel, and BJU-related entities under Bob III's control, that would total 25,000 "communications" of the interracial dating ban and bring the total to 150,000 communications of the rule that Bob Jones III represented on national television that BJU "never talks about or preaches".

Add to that the incalcuable number of graduating preachers for a 50 year period who were taught by professors they trusted that BJU's interracial dating and marriage ban was a "Bible policy," and you get a Peek at the true influence BJU had on the racial attitudes within the fundamentalist movement. So, is BJU's rule a rule that they "never talk about or preach"? I think not. "Never" is a carefully chosen term, an absolute that admits no exceptions.

As an aside, I would encourage every reader to rent the video "The Village". If you want to maximize the impact of the movie, do not read the notes on the movie jacket and do not talk to anyone about the plot. I will say no more about the movie but that it is a powerful movie. As I watched the movie, I related the plot to my experiences within fundamentalism and found the message quite powerful.

Every incoming student was judged according to his race and only allowed to date/marry within that category. My brother-in-law told me a story about his Korean/American roommate. Seems the father was in the Korean War and took a Korean war bride. The son was of average height, slightly darker skin, and slightly oriental eyes. The story was that he was judged oriental his freshman year and was only allowed to date oriental girls. The second year he was able to date caucasian girls. I tried to check this information out with the university but they did not respond.

I have before me a communication dated August 31, 1998 on BJU letterhead in which Jonathan Pait explains BJU's official interracial dating ban with James Landrith of www.multiracial.com.

Dear Mr. Landrith:

Thank you for your phone call requesting information concerning interracial relations here at Bob Jones University. The University has an open admissions policy, and we accept students of any race. The student body is fully integrated with all students participating in all activities and organizations regardless of race.

Bob Jones University does, however, have a rule prohibiting interracial dating among its students. God has separated people for His own purpose. He has erected barriers between the nations, not only land and sea barriers, but also ethnic, cultural, and language barriers. God has made people different one from another and intends those differences to remain.. Bob Jones University is opposed to intermarriage of the races because it breaks down the barriers God has established. It mixes that which God separated and intends to keep separate. Every effort in world history to bring the world together has demonstrated man's self-reliance and his unwillingness to remain as God ordains. The attempts at one-worldism have been to devise a system without God and have fostered the promotion of a unity designed to give the world strength so that God is not needed and can be overthrown.

Although there is no verse in the Bible that dogmatically says that races should not intermarry, the whole plan of God as He has dealt with the races down through the ages indicates that interracial marriage is not best for man. We do believe we see principles, not specific verses, to give us direction for the avoidance of it.

The people who built the Tower of Babel were seeking a man-glorifying unity which God has not ordained (Gen. 11:4-6). Much of the agitation for intermarriage among the races today is for the same reason. It is promoted by one-worlders, and we oppose it for the same reason that we oppose religious ecumenism, globalism, one-world economy, one-world police force, unisex, etc. When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will establish world unity, but until then, a divided earth seems to be His plan.

Of course, we realize that this is controversial position and that there are many fine Christians who disagree with us on it. We recognize the right of other Christians to hold differing views; we only hope that they will recognize the sincerity and love with which we hold ours.

Christian students of all races find a happy and harmonious atmosphere here at the University, and the number of minority students grows every year. We believe prejudice to be Biblically wrong, and it is not tolerated in the student body.

I trust this information is helpful to you. Kind regards.

Sincerely yours,

Jonathan Pait
Community Relations Coordinator

Is it not clear that Dr. Bob Jones III distorted reality on Larry King Live with the intent to deceive the entire nation regarding the true nature of the rule that they "never talk about or preach"?